Effect of isometric and isokinetic muscle training on static strength and dynamic power

Summary

This study investigated whether isokinetic strength training might induce changes in static and dynamic power already achieved as a result of isometric strength training. The subjects were twelve males. The isometric strength and dynamic power of elbow flexors were tested by means of an electric dynamometer and fly-wheel every two weeks. During the first 8 weeks all subjects trained the elbow flexors isometrically at four different positions of elbow joints. This training produced 27–36% gains in isometric strength and 34–46% in power. Thereafter the subjects were divided into two groups: the FG group who trained isokinetically at a fast velocity of 157‡·s−1, and the SG group at slow velocity of 73‡·s−1. After 6 weeks of training, the FG group produced a significant gain in power with light equivalent masses and the SG group did so with heavy equivalent masses. Neither group showed change in isometric strength.